Illicit cigarettes discovered in Fenland shops

Trading Standards have seized over 25,000 cigarettes and 7.5kg of rolling tobacco as part of a joint operation to tackle the sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in March, Wisbech and Godmanchester.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s Trading Standards took part in raids in partnership with Cambridgeshire Police, HM Revenue and Customs and Wagtail International last Thursday. The operation used three specially trained tobacco detection dogs from Wagtail International to uncover concealed tobacco at shops in the towns.

Frank Pasfield, Trading Standards Officer for Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “These raids show our commitment to protecting local people and legitimate businesses who suffer as a result of this illegal trade. We will continue to fight this illegal activity. Anyone selling illicit cigarettes and tobacco should expect a visit from our officers and the resulting prosecution.”

Val Thomas, Consultant in Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Illicit tobacco is often sold to children and young people putting their long term health at serious risk. This is not a victimless crime and anyone who suspects the sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco should report it to Cambridgeshire Trading Standards (0345 4040 506) or anonymously to Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).”